Method of playing a word game

ABSTRACT

A word game and a method of playing a word game are disclosed. A scrambled word is unscrambled. A homophone of the unscrambled word is ascertained. At least one of an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym is ascertained of the unscrambled word and/or the homophone of the unscrambled word. Points are awarded to a player based on each ascertained word.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method of playing a word game. More specifically, this invention relates to playing a word game by unscrambling a scrambled word and ascertaining at least one of a homophone, an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of the unscrambled word.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people forget how to spell. Others frequently have to refer to a dictionary or thesaurus to find out definitions of words. The prior art contains a number of games that purport to improve spelling and vocabulary. The following examples are cited.

Scrabble® is a well known game in which players place letter tiles in a horizontal or vertical sequence in a way that makes up a legitimate word. Success at Scrabble® requires memorizing long lists of words and practicing anagramming, which involves rearranging letters to make different words, in order to find the best possible play on each move. However, knowledge of word meanings, including identifying synonyms and antonyms of words, is not needed, let alone rewarded, in Scrabble® play. Furthermore, the game of Scrabble® requires use of a board, with titles, that adds a visuospatial limitation to the game.

Like Scrabble®, Boggle® is another word game in which players attempt to find words in sequences of adjacent letters. The game begins after shaking a covered tray of sixteen cubic dice. The dice settle into a four by four tray so that only the top letter of each cube is visible. Each player records all the words he or she finds by writing on a private sheet of paper. After three minutes have elapsed, all players must stop writing and the game enters a scoring phase. Like Scrabble, knowledge of words meanings is not necessary or rewarded in Boggle®. Thus, players of the Boggle® game are not required to display any knowledge of, for example, synonyms, antonyms, homographs or homophones of the words they write on their sheet of paper.

What is needed is a word game that promotes, enhances and rewards understanding the meaning of words.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a word game and a method of playing a word game. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises unscrambling a scrambled word; ascertaining a homophone of the unscrambled word; determining at least one of an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of at least one of the unscrambled word and the homophone of the unscrambled word; and awarding points to a player of the word game based on each ascertained word.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises providing a timer. The timer limits the amount of time for the player to complete the step of ascertaining and the step of determining in a round of play. The method further comprises providing different levels of play from beginning to more advance level, wherein each level includes words having a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum number of letters. The method further comprises providing a deck of cards wherein each card is marked with a scrambled word on one side of each card. The method further comprises providing a work sheet for a player to complete, in writing, the step of ascertaining and the step of determining in a round of play. The method further comprises providing a score sheet for awarding points based on each word that is ascertained, if any, in the step of ascertaining and each word that is determined, if any, in the step of determining. The method further comprises providing an answer key for the scrambled word, wherein the answer key includes the unscrambled word, the homophone of the unscrambled word, and the anagram, the antonym, the homograph, and the synonym, if any, of the unscrambled word and the homophone of the unscrambled word. The method further comprises challenging an answer of an opponent in any word ascertained, if any, in the step of ascertaining and any word determined, if any, in the step of determining.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of playing a word game is disclosed. The method comprises unscrambling a scrambled word; ascertaining at least one of a homophone, an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of the unscrambled word; and awarding points to a player based on each ascertained word. The method further comprises determining at least one of an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of the homophone of the unscrambled word.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a word game is disclosed. The word game comprises a deck of cards wherein each card is marked with a scrambled word on one side of each card; a work sheet for a player to ascertain, in writing, an unscrambled word of the scrambled word and at least one of a homophone, an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of the unscrambled word; and a score sheet for awarding points for each player based on each ascertained word.

In one embodiment, the word game further comprises a timer for limiting the amount of time for each player to complete a round of play. The word game also comprises an answer key for the scrambled word, wherein the answer key includes the unscrambled word and the anagram, the antonym, the homograph, and the synonym, if any, of the unscrambled word.

In another embodiment the word game of the present invention can be implemented for play electronically, such as electronic handheld units, including but not limited to video screens, cell phones, computerized games for educational and other purposes, and television, for family and friends or as a solitary game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a worksheet for use in playing a word game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an answer key for use in playing a word game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a score sheet for use in playing a word game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a worksheet for use in playing a word game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a worksheet for use in playing a word game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a word game and a method of playing a word game. An object of the game is to score more points than an opponent or opponents by, in one embodiment, unscrambling a scrambled word; ascertaining a homophone of the unscrambled word; and ascertaining or determining one or more anagrams, homographs and/or synonyms of the unscrambled word and/or the homophone of the unscrambled word. Points are awarded to a player of the game based on each ascertained anagram, homograph and/or synonym of the unscrambled word or the homophone of the unscrambled word or both. Alternatively, the game can be played in solitary. In a solitary game, a player can play for fun or compare his or her point totals to previous point totals.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a deck of cards is provided wherein each card is marked with a scrambled word on one side of each card in the deck. Further, the cards can be separated by levels. For example, “Level 1” cards may include words containing between two to four letters, and “Level 2” cards may include words containing five or more letters. There may be more levels depending on the number of letters. In most cases, the more letters a word contains, the harder the word is to unscramble. Words containing less than five letters are not necessarily simple; conversely, words containing more than five letters are not necessarily complex. Alternatively, the levels of play can be grouped by “commonality” of the words or “word commonality”. For example, “Level 1” cards may include more common words and “Level 2” cards may include less common words. Additional levels may be included for the least common words. In either case, Level 2 scoring should be higher than Level 1 scoring and Level 3 scoring should be higher than both Level 1 and Level 2 scoring. Players can choose one or more levels of play. And cards should be placed face down in one (or two) stacks, with a top card displayed from a stack.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a timer is provided. The timer limits the amount of time for each play. For example, a player may be allotted, say, three minutes to pick a card, unscramble the scrambled word that is marked on the card, ascertain a homophone of the unscrambled word, and ascertain as many synonyms, antonyms, anagrams and homographs for either or both words—the unscrambled word and the homophone of the unscrambled word—within the allotted three minutes. If a player finishes the first word of play to the best of his ability before the allotted time expires, the next card on the stack can be selected and played. When the timer rings, the scores are tallied and the next card is selected by an opponent (different player). This process is repeated until the players decided to end the game.

FIG. 1 shows a worksheet for use in playing a word game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The worksheet of FIG. 1, which is just an example of one worksheet that can be used with the present invention and is therefore not limited to this specific worksheet, includes space for players of the word game to write down their answers. As an example, after selecting a card from the top of the deck, a player would locate the scrambled word on one side of the card and then write it down below “Scrambled Word” in the FIG. 1. Then, the player would try to ascertain an unscrambled word or Keyword of the scrambled word. For example, if the scrambled word is “eadr”, a Keyword (unscrambled word) would be “read”. The player would write the Keyword “read” below “Keyword” in the FIG. 1. At this point, the player could try to ascertain or determine a homophone of the Keyword and write it down below “Homophone” in the FIG. 1. In our example for the Keyword “read”, a homophone would be “red”. The player could then try to ascertain as many synonyms, antonyms, anagrams and homographs for the Keyword “read” or for the Homophone “red” or both—within an allotted amount of time—and write it down below “Synonym”, “Antonym”, “Anagram” and “Homograph” in the FIG. 1. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show alternative embodiments of the worksheet described in the FIG. 1 for use in playing a word game.

It should be mentioned that not all Keywords (unscrambled words) will have a homophone or an anagram or a homograph. Conversely, some Keywords might have more than one homophone or anagram or homograph. Points are awarded based on the total number of words ascertained from the Scrambled Word. For example, in “Level 1” play, one point can be awarded for each Keyword (unscrambled word); two points for each homophone, three points for each antonym, homograph and synonym, and four points for each anagram. As another example, in “Level 2” play, two points can be awarded for each Keyword (unscrambled word); four points for each homophone, six points for each antonym, homograph and synonym, and eight points for each anagram. More points can be awarded with each increasing “level” of play, such as “Level 3” or “Level 4” play. In one embodiment, the points awarded for each ascertained word can be decided and agreed to by the players of the game. Other point values are possible.

FIG. 2 shows an answer key for use in playing a word game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The answer key in the FIG. 2 is, obviously, not a complete answer key—is shown for illustrative purposes only—and not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. In the FIG. 2, column headers include “Unscrambled/Synonym”, “Scrambled”, “Homophone/Synonym”, “Antonym”, “Anagram” and “Homograph”. The first row of the FIG. 2 provides an answer key for the scrambled word “retal”. The unscrambled/keyword is “alter”. A synonym of “alter” is “change”. A homophone of “alter” is “altar”. A synonym of the homophone “altar” is “table”. An antonym for “alter” is “unchanged”. There is no antonym listed for the homophone “altar”. An anagram of “alter” is “later”. Another anagram of “alter” is “taler”. The answer key should include answers for each card in the deck of playing cards that have scrambled words on them.

The answer key of the FIG. 2 includes only some recommended answers for certain words. Players can challenge any answer by using word related reference materials. Such reference materials may include a dictionary, thesaurus, or other reference source that can be used to verify the validity of the answer. Points can also be awarded for successful challenges. For example, if an opponent successfully challenges an answer, the opponent may receive the points originally awarded or, conversely, have points subtracted for unsuccessful challenges.

FIG. 3 shows a score sheet for use in playing a word game, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Columns in the FIG. 3 are to be completed with each player's name at the top of the column and the points below the name. As mentioned above, points are awarded based on each word—keywords, homophones, synonyms, antonyms, anagrams, and homographs—that is ascertained from the scrambled word on a card within the allotted time. The score sheet in the FIG. 3 is shown for illustrative purposes only and not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Electronic implementations of the word game are possible and are included within the scope of the invention. For example, a word game playable on a personal computer or hand held device such as a cell phone, personal digital assistant, portable media player, or over the Internet, may include a virtual deck of cards containing scrambled words in a selected language. Optionally, online versions may be played through a dedicated website. Thus, computer program instructions may instruct a computing device to display the cards on a display and respond to user inputs or other actions so that game play proceeds in accordance with any of the embodiments described above. The instructions may be made available via any computer-readable carrier, including any memory device, data signal, or other carrier.

The word game of the present invention benefits players who want to improve, among other things, their spelling, their vocabulary, their understanding of the complete meanings of words, and their analysis skills. The word game of the present invention may also, perhaps, delay the onset of dementia for elders. Further, the word game of the present invention may benefit children or adults who are acquiring English as their second language.

The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of principles of construction and operation of the invention. Such reference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modification may be made in the embodiments chosen for illustration without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A method of playing a word game comprising: a. unscrambling a scrambled word; b. ascertaining a homophone of the unscrambled word; c. determining at least one of an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of at least one of the unscrambled word and the homophone of the unscrambled word; and d. awarding points to a player of the word game based on each ascertained word.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a timer, wherein the timer limits the amount of time for the player to complete the step of ascertaining and the step of determining in a round of play.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing different levels of play from beginning to more advance levels, wherein each level includes words having a predetermined minimum and a predetermined maximum number of letters.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a deck of cards wherein each card is marked with a scrambled word on one side of each card.
 5. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a work sheet for a player to complete, in writing, the step of ascertaining and the step of determining in a round of play.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a score sheet for awarding points based on each word that is ascertained, if any, in the step of ascertaining and each word that is determined, if any, in the step of determining.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing an answer key for the scrambled word, wherein the answer key includes the unscrambled word, the homophone of the unscrambled word, and the anagram, the antonym, the homograph, and the synonym, if any, of the unscrambled word and the homophone of the unscrambled word.
 8. The method of claim 1 further comprising challenging an answer of an opponent in any word ascertained, if any, in the step of ascertaining and any word determined, if any, in the step of determining.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing different levels of play from beginning to more advance levels, wherein the levels are based on word commonality.
 10. A method of playing a word game comprising: a. unscrambling a scrambled word; b. ascertaining at least one of a homophone, an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of the unscrambled word; and c. awarding points to a player based on each ascertained word.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising determining at least one of an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of the homophone of the unscrambled word.
 12. The method of claim 10 further comprising providing a deck of cards wherein each card is marked with a scrambled word on one side of each card.
 13. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing a work sheet for a player to complete, in writing, the step of ascertaining and the step of determining in a round of play.
 14. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing a score sheet for awarding points based on each word that is ascertained, if any, in the step of ascertaining and each word that is determined, if any, in the step of determining.
 15. The method of claim 11 further comprising providing an answer key for the scrambled word, wherein the answer key includes the unscrambled word, the homophone of the unscrambled word, and the anagram, the antonym, the homograph, and the synonym, if any, of the unscrambled word and the homophone of the unscrambled word.
 16. A word game comprising: a. a deck of cards wherein each card is marked with a scrambled word on one side of each card; b. a work sheet for a player to ascertain, in writing, an unscrambled word of the scrambled word and at least one of a homophone, an anagram, an antonym, a homograph, and a synonym of the unscrambled word; and c. a score sheet for awarding points for each player based on each ascertained word.
 17. The word game of claim 16 wherein the work sheet is a sheet of paper.
 18. The word game of claim 16 further comprising a timer for limiting the amount of time for each player to complete a round of play.
 19. The word game of claim 16 further comprising an answer key for the scrambled word, wherein the answer key includes the unscrambled word and the anagram, the antonym, the homograph, and the synonym, if any, of the unscrambled word.
 20. The word game of claim 16, wherein the word game is in electronic form. 